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Marvin Roy
One word about Mr. Electric, "Originality". I
cannot think of a more original and completely theamatic act than Marvin and Carole's
"Light Bulb Act". When I won the medal at the S.A.M. Convention in 1983, Marvin
said, "The Chavez stuff is great but now it is time to open the cage, let the doves
fly away and go with it!" Strong words considering the audience reaction to birds,
but I later realized how great that advice was.
 Goldfinger
and Dove
In the 70's one of the most popular magic acts working on TV had to be
Goldfinger and Dove. They appeared on every talk show including Johnny
Carson, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and on and on and on. Goldfinger
influenced many of today's working professionals with his fast-paced, high
energy manipulations and explosive personality. In the 80's I shared the
stage with him several times and found out what a true veteran is all
about. Jack is a great inspiration to us all!
 Lance
Burton
The first time I met Lance was in Colon,
Michigan, at the Abbots Magic Get Together. I was competing and Lance was
on the evening show. When he finished his rehearsal, Chris Jakeway
introduced me to him. I was very impressed at how kind and down to earth
he was. I met him years later in Las Vegas. After much success on TV and
starring in the Follies Bergere, he was still that same cool, down to
earth guy. A lesson to everyone what a real super star in magic is like.
In the decade of, you've got silver and black boxes on wheels?"... Here is
a contract! Its great to see that Lance stayed true to his roots and
approaches grand illusion in the classic manner.  Shimada
Before Lance and Joseph Gabriel, the master dove worker was Shimada. He
produced doves as smooth as silk. He was the first oriental magician since
Ching Ling Foo to achieve fame with an oriental act in the west. He
featured parasols, fans, fire, a dragon and KABUKI MASKS. Today his
daughter, Luna, carries on her father's tradition.
 Barclay
Shaw
Barclay was a legendary Las Vegas
performer with a special quality that's hard to describe. He performed one
of the most unique levitations that I have ever seen. The girl floated
inside a clear plastic box! ...Sound familiar? In my mind he is the only
one who ever had the girl move during the levitation, and it
still looked like Pure Magic! He also
performed an act with a marionette clown named "Toto". This act was so
magical it practically stopped the show. Barclay passed away a few years
ago and everyone turned out for his funeral with a very emotional and
magical farewell.
 Richiardi
Aldo Richiardi was the greatest
influence on my magical career. He was the magicians magician. I sat on
the old broom suspension stool in his dressing room twice a week for six
months and learned about SHOW BUSINESS… along with what made Richiardi
great. One month later he was gone. Being the second generation of
magicians in his family, he began performing at the age of three in his
father's show and soon incorporated singing and dancing into the magic. As
he grew so did the show. Every routing from the classic "Rice Bowls" to
the blood curdling "Buzz Saw" turned into a thematic production. The
experience of seeing his show live, was unlike anything that I have seen,
or will ever see! From the moment he would run on to the the stage, energy
would explode through his body, down his arms and out of his finger tips
as he glided across the stage. His eyes would instantly make every
audience member feel like he had them under his spell and was performing
the show especially for them. Although some of his props were old, he
created miracles with them. He was a genius at putting together different
pieces of music that would jolt your emotions in whatever direction he
wanted them to go.  His
show in New York City won major awards for its music. In 1982 he was
awarded "Magician of the Year" by the Academy of Magical Arts and
Sciences. Perhaps "Magician of the Century" would have been more
appropriate. If you want to see the most beautiful levitation ever
performed, find the HBO special titled "Richiardi's Chamber of Horrors".
Its not how mechanical, how many directions the girl can move, or how much
the girl can gyrate, it's the magician and his special power, completely
controlling every second of the demonstration. His memory will forever be
etched in my minds eye.
 Neil
Foster
In the art of magic the most
respected form is manipulation. Pure slight of hand with ungimmiked,
everyday objects. Neil Foster taught this art in the most complete manner
at the "Chavez College of Prestidigitation and Manual Dexterity" in Colon,
Michigan. Neil hand-picked his students and many went on to be full-time
professionals. His performances were described as "poetry in motion." Few
tapes of his act exist but they can be found. I am very grateful to have
known and studied under this wonderful artist.
 Bill
Brewe
Every young aspiring magician should
be as fortunate as I was to have a person like Bill Brewe as a mentor. He
freely gave his time, energy and knowledge to many young magicians through
"The Counts of Conjuring", the oldest organization in existence for
teenage magicians. Meetings were held at Bill's shop located in
Cincinnati, Ohio which is one of the most beautiful magic shops in the
world. He was to me what Harry Collins was to Lance Burton. Bill is one of
the most knowledgeable men in magic! Thanks Bill, for starting it all!
 Paul
Adams
Paul Adams is from my home town of
Cincinnati, Ohio and was a member of the "Counts of Conjuring." Everyone
looked up to Paul because of his style, broadcast voice, showmanship and
top quality props. Paul won all of the stage competitions and booked more
professional shows than any of us. Today he stars in his own travelling TV
game show and produces many children's productions with a variety of
themes. Paul has the best promotional material in the business. His
company incorporates every aspect of entertainment into each of his
productions. Paul still finds the time to consult on many of my routines
and productions. He is a true friend!
Richard Robinson
When I was a kid, I loved when an
illusionist would perform on TV. One night I saw magic presented in a way
that I had never seen before. It was Richard Robinson on Don Kershners
Rock Concert, a TV show that usually only featured big time rock and roll
bands. His assistants were dressed and moved about like zombies. His
character was very intense almost as if Dracula was performing real magic.
He had total control over the illusions and everyone on the stage. Richard
opened for many rock bands on tour and at one time he even had the same
manager as Richiardi. I will never forget that dramatic performance and
the effect that it had on my magic. Thanks Richard!
George
Kimmery
 George Kimmery runs "Chalet Magic" in
Limeston, Tennessee. It is not difficult to describe George. He's just a
great guy! Although I built illusions as a kid, the first illusion that I
bought was from "Chalet Magic", almost 20 years ago. Whenever I had a
question about an illusion and I was afraid to ask anyone else, George
would always have the answer. You cannot buy a quality illusion for a
better price, anywhere! Thanks George for some great props and your kind
advice.
Les
Smith
 Les Smith owns and operates "Owen
Magic Supreme" with his wife, Gertrude, and his son-in-law, Alan, in
Azusa, California. He is truly a master craftsman and the grandfather of
all magic builders. This is the man that has made the magic happen for
greats like Marvin Roy, Goldfinger and Dove, The Pendragons, Sigfried and
Roy and many more. Les built several of my illusions and they are more
than just props, they are works of art. I spent hundreds of hours in their
shop and was even kicked out once! I am very grateful for the time Les
spent with me and all of the history he shared.
For Availability,
Arrangements and Scheduling contact:
Future Entertainment Inc.
P.O. Box 771869 Orlando, FL 32877
1.800.441.4328
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As I move into the future, they are still my
greatest inspiration.